Suggestions for Change in the PIC

The suggestion for the abolition of prisons is always an uncomfortable topic. We know many of the ways that prisons are hindering our society these are including but not limited to:

·Civil Rights violations

·Human Rights violations

·Disinterest in rehabilitation

·Criminalization of entire communities (mainly communities of color)

            So, now that we are able to identify the main problems, what do we do about them? Is there a way to change these things? What should we as a society be fighting for exactly? These are all good and viable questions and it is difficult to say that the system that we have right now can be reformed into a positive place for rehabilitation. So many people and organizations agree that it would be best to tear our whole prison systems down and rebuild with completely new ideals in mind. Some of the ideals I would suggest we should hold in mind when reorganizing would be:

·Rehabilitation

·Individual rights

·Moving away from the objective to make money using prison labor

·Creating a cohesive community

            I am not suggesting that I have all of the answers, but our governmental structure is set up in a way where these things are not really possible. People are invested in the individualistic ideals and so it is very difficult for people to come together for a common good because, the people with the power are always going to be lifting themselves up while stepping on the “lesser” people to achieve their goals. In a perfect world and idealistic vacuum however, we could educate everyone on these issues and make them see that it is not always about tying to achieve the “American Dream” but that realistically we must work together to achieve a common goal for the most people rather than this individualistic outlook that realistically keeps the majority of people from achieving their goals. So, my suggestion for change then is to look at these ideals and others and move away from our learned way of thinking and towards a more reality based viewpoint on the prison industrial complex.  

Resource: http://www.criticalresistancegainesville.net/article.php?preview=1&cache=0&id=58